Rockets vs Clippers Predictions, Picks & Odds - 4-14-2024

With rest and recovery taking priority, the Los Angeles Clippers are likely to be short on star power as they host the Houston Rockets this afternoon.

The Clippers are locked into the No. 4 seed, so Paul George and James Harden may both join Kawhi Leonard on the sidelines today, with a first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks on deck.

There’s no playoff basketball this year for the Rockets but it’s otherwise a similar story for the visitors, who are narrow favorites in the latest NBA odds but will be without Fred VanVleet or Dillon Brooks.

Check out my Rockets vs. Clippers predictions and free NBA picks for this April 14 regular-season finale.

Rockets vs Clippers predictions

My best bet
Jabari Smith Over 17.5 points + rebounds (-105 at bet365)

Best odds available in your region

My analysis
With no reason for either team to risk players who are carrying injuries, we’re going to get some unfamiliar line-ups on the floor this afternoon, but that opens up new possibilities, as typical second or third options get thrown into bigger offensive roles.

Jabari Smith Jr. should be a beneficiary as the Houston Rockets arrive short-handed here. He’s shown improvements across the board in his second year as a pro and I see him stuffing the stat sheet today, even after two quieter outings this week.

I prefer to buy into Smith Jr.’s numbers from earlier this month. He’s had 15+ points four times in April, including 23 points against the Magic on Tuesday, and he should have an uptick in shots with Houston missing two starters. That bodes well against a Los Angeles Clippers team that could be leaning heavily on bench players.

There’s also a chance that Jalen Green’s minutes are reduced after he picked up a leg injury against the Trail Blazers on Friday. That would put the ball in Smith Jr.’s hands even more often.

I’m choosing the Smith Jr. points + rebounds prop for some extra cushion. He’s hit the Over on this line in eight of his last 10 contests and he’s grabbed 7+ boards in five of his past eight outings.

Rockets vs Clippers same-game parlay (SGP)

The Rockets can bring their record up to .500 with a victory here and I’m wagering on the visitors to prevail — in part because Green is expected to play despite picking up a minor injury last time out.

With the Clippers potentially missing their three best offensive players, Green would be the best scorer on the court. Houston is coming off wins over the Magic and Trail Blazers this week, and Green led the way with 26 points in Portland.

The Rockets haven’t had many low-scoring scraps lately so I’m also jumping on the Over, which is 9-1 in their last 10 outings, including a 147-136 overtime loss to the Mavericks and a 124-121 defeat to the Jazz on Thursday.

The Clippers have enough scoring depth to keep pace in a shootout and more minutes for Hyland, Norman Powell, and Amir Coffey should lead to an up-tempo outing for the hosts. I’m expecting a lot of transition buckets, a steady diet of 3-pointers, and a strong end-of-season vibe.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Rockets vs Clippers odds

Rockets vs Clippers live odds

Rockets vs Clippers opening odds

• Spread: Houston -2.5 | Los Angeles +2.5
• Moneyline: Houston -135 | Los Angeles +115
• Over/Under: Over 219.5 | Under 219.5

Rockets vs Clippers spread and Over/Under analysis

• The Clippers are 2.5-point underdogs for their final regular season game at Crypto.com Arena before their move to Intuit Dome next season. That line has shifted from 1.5 overnight, and we could see more line movement when there’s clarity on whether George and Harden will play.
  
  
• L.A. has won the past nine meetings between these teams, including a pair of victories this season, both by a 6-point margin.
  
  
• It’s been hard work offensively for the Clippers without Leonard down the stretch, and they’ve been held under 110 points in five of their last seven contests.
  
  
• The Rockets have been leaking points lately, which keeps the Over in play. It’s been a winner in eight straight Houston games and the defense often takes a step back without Brooks’ gritty presence.

Rockets vs Clippers trend

The Rockets have been strong finishers on their travels, covering the fourth-quarter spread in 25 of their last 37 road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Clippers.

Rockets vs Clippers game info

Rockets vs Clippers latest injuries

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